VA thankful for transitioning military, those who help care for fellow Veterans

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, we want to express our gratitude to all military personnel – past and present – for their service, as well as to the supportive families who make it possible.

At VA, we are dedicated to supporting Veterans every day, whether it’s through delivering world class health care or providing paths to lasting civilian careers for transitioning military personnel.

As you exit the military, we want to help match you with your perfect job at VA. Your wealth of training and experience should be put to use right away, and our transitioning military personnel initiative offers a pipeline to a rewarding career continuing to serve your country and helping other Veterans get better, faster.

With a workforce that’s nearly one-third Veterans, we know how well military training translates to a VA career. Not only have you developed excellent communication, leadership and multi-tasking skills, but you know what it means to be dedicated to a cause, while having the motivation and drive to achieve results.

Career options at VA

There are numerous occupations at VA that are a great fit for Veterans. If you’re a former military corpsmen or medic, our Intermediate Care Technician (ICT) program might be the right fit for you. You’ll help provide patient care in emergency departments, mental health, geriatrics, primary care, dermatology or surgical services.

Don’t have health care training? No problem.

Consider joining our law enforcement team to help keep Veterans and their families safe at VA medical facilities and sites around the country. This occupation pairs so well with military experience that around 90% of the 4,000-strong force are Veterans.

There are also opportunities for custodial workers and medical support assistants all across the country. But it doesn’t end there – VA offers several job opportunities you may qualify for with your military training.

As a Veteran, you’ll often receive priority consideration for job openings. Veterans preference may move you ahead of non-Veterans in the federal hiring process, and if you qualify for disability, you’ll receive greater preference.

A VA career can take you almost anywhere you want to go. There are more than 1,200 VA facilities around the nation. Whether you’d prefer to live in a rural, urban or suburban area, there’s a VA facility with a job that’s just right for you.

Enjoy excellent benefits

Our benefits regularly outperform the private sector, with premium health insurance, robust retirement and accommodations that make the workplace accessible.

If you’d like to explore a new career path, we can help you do that. We make it easier for you to balance school with work and life by offering scholarships, repayment options and flexible work schedules.

Other benefits include:

• Paid vacation time that begins accruing on your very first day.
• Anywhere from 13-26 paid days off your first year.
• Twelve weeks of paid parental leave.
• Option to buy back your military service time and apply it to a civil service FERS pension.

Work at VA

Transitioning from the military to civilian life can be challenging, but know that VA has your back. We are thankful for you and your service and stand ready to help you embark on the next step in your journey.

• EXPLORE VA careers for Veterans and transitioning military.
• SEARCH for an open position.
• GET more information in the transitioning military flyer (pdf).
• LEARN about the benefits of a VA career.